Watkins reshaping his recruitment

It is business as usual on the football field for Southfield (Mich.) athlete Brandon Watkins, but the three-star prospect's recruitment is in a time of transition. New teams are moving in, while the situation has changed with some of Watkins' more long-standing suitors.

Watkins picked up early offers from Iowa, Bowling Green and Toledo. His desire to play offense in college, however, conflicts with Iowa's plans for him.

"I want to play offense and they are strictly talking the defensive side of the ball," Watkins said. "I haven't really talked with them that much, but I do plan on taking a visit."

Bowling Green's offer is also for defense after the Falcons filled up at his position on offense. While things have stalled with those schools, though, new teams have entered the race this month.

"I have gotten calls from Ball State and Michigan State," Watkins said. "I got an email from Missouri and they called my head coach.

"I need to get out my senior film because none of the coaches have seen my senior film, so I am trying to do that ASAP."

At Michigan State, Watkins has been in contact with assistant coach Brad Salem since his junior year.

"He just called me and said that he has heard how I have been doing and he wants to get some game film or possibly come to a game," Watkins said. "I think I will probably go to see a game there. I'm not sure if I will be able to get an official visit there yet, but hopefully I will and be able to meet the rest of the coaches."

Another school that has been hanging around on Watkins' interest list is Vanderbilt, and things could start getting more serious there in the coming months.

"I think, most likely, I will take a visit to Vanderbilt," Watkins said. "I have heard from Coach [Bob] Shoop and am trying to get in touch with Coach [James] Franklin out there."

The 5-11, 185-pound Watkins has helped lead Southfield high to a 3-1 record on the season. He has rushed for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense and added two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, from his cornerback position.